Lamar Volleyball Falls 3-0 to Northern Illinois

BEAUMONT, TEXAS (September 7, 2011) Northern Illinois All-America Lauren Wicinski pounded down a match-high 16 kills Thursday night at McDonald Gym as the visiting Huskies defeated Lamar University 3-0 (18-25, 21-25, 19-25) in a non-conference volleyball match.

The Lady Cardinals schedule will not get any easier this weekend as they host Baylor, Mississippi State and UTEP in the MCM Elegante’ Invitational. Lamar and Mississippi State will square off on Friday night at 6:30, with the Lady Cards facing UTEP on Saturday at 12:30 and then closing the tournament with Baylor at 7 p.m.

Lamar stands at 1-7 on the year, having lost its last six matches. NIU won its sixth straight match to improve to 8-2 on the season.

“I thought we were able to do some things offensively tonight that we wanted,” said LU head coach Justin Gibert. “However, we couldn’t stop them. They’re playing at a higher level than us. They’re a step quicker, and it’s just a pace we’re not used to.”

After dropping the first set 25-18, Lamar looked to even the match at a set apiece with a strong rally in the second set. The Lady Cardinals attacked at impressive .333 as a team in set two, and cut a 19-13 deficit down to one at 19-18.

However, NIU would not be denied the set. Behind Wicinski’s offense, the Huskies stemmed the tide and pulled out the set 25-21. As strong as Lamar was offensively in the set, NIU hit a match-high .370 with 14 kills on only 27 attempts with four attack errors.

The Huskies then hit .310 in set three to close the match with a 25-19 victory. In fitting fashion, the match ended on Wicinski’s 16th kill of the match.

While Lamar hit a solid .195 as a team, the Huskies were more efficient and finished with a 47-29 advantage in kills. NIU also finished with a 40-25 advantage in digs and a 9-7 advantage in service aces.

Sophomore outside hitter Sierra Whittaker had a strong match, finishing with eight kills and a .316 attack percentage. Whittaker added three block assists as Lamar finished with 8.5 as a team.

Junior setter Alex Morford saw her first action of the season as she continues to recover from a broken foot. Only cleared to play one set, Morford finished with five assists, a kills and two of LU’s five service aces.

“I thought she came out real competitive in that first set and I just wish we could have had her for more than just that one game,” said Gibert.

Sophomore outside hitter Megan McStravick added seven kills, five digs and a solid .294 attack percentage.

Allison McGlaughlin added eight kills for NIU, hitting an outstanding .412 in the match. She also finished with 10 digs, as did teammate Amber Walker.

UHs Keenum Earns Player of the Week Honors

(Photo bt Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)

QB Return Performance Honored by C-USA and Rivals.com

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 5, 2011) University of Houston senior quarterback Case Keenum took home the first Conference USA Offensive honor as he was named Player of the Week after his 310-yard, two touchdown passing performance in the Saturday’s win over UCLA.

This is the 10th all-time player of the week honor for Keenum, more than any football player in C-USA history. He also was honored by Rivals.com as the Player of the Week for Conference USA.

In his first game back since suffering a season-ending injury a year ago, Keenum threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns in Houston’s 38-34 victory over UCLA on Saturday. Keenum completed 75 percent of his passes with 30 completions on 40 attempts and committed no turnovers.

Keenum, who added 30 yards on the ground, currently ranks ninth nationally in total offense (340 yards). He orchestrated six scoring drives, all covering more than 55 yards, while leading two drives before the half that covered 130 total yards in a combined one minute and 20 seconds. Houston also converted 8-of-13 third-down conversions with Keenum at the helm.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday, Sept. 10 with their first road contest when they travel to Denton, Texas for a 6 p.m. matchup vs. North Texas.

Houston Downs UCLA 38-34; Did the Cougars' Defense Get The Job Done?

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 3, 2011) The Houston Cougars came right out at the start of the game and showed UCLA that this year was not going to be a repeat of last season.

The Cougars (1-0, 0-0 C-USA) downed a determined UCLA Bruins (0-1, 0-0, Pac-10) 38-34 in front of 31,144 fans at Robertson Stadium in Houston.

Houston is now 1-0 and has passed the first test of the season; beating a team that destroyed them in 2010.

But as they begin Sunday to prepare to face North Texas in Denton next Saturday, the Cougars still have issues that need to be addressed.

The issue is the defense? What can I say? What can anyone say?

In Houston’s 31-13 loss to UCLA in 2010, the Cougars gave up a total of 365 yards to the Bruins.

This year, they gave up 554 yards and won the game.

Let’s start out and look at the positive outcomes of the win over their West Coast opponent.

Yes, the Cougars pulled this game out and beat UCLA.

Yes, Case Keenum looked healthy without any indication that he was hampered by his injury sustained against the Bruins last year.

Yes, the offense did crank out 469 yards, five touchdowns, one field goal and score 38 points.

Yes, they Cougars played like a team that was possessed and wanted some payback against UCLA.

But let’s look at the defense?

The Bruins had 42 carries for 232 yards while passing for 322 net yards.

Combined, Bruin quarterbacks Richar Brehaut and Kevin Prince went 20-of-29 in the air and were not sacked once or throw any interceptions.

But my question is how can a team expect to win week after week giving up over 500 yards on defense?

That strategy cannot work. The Cougars cannot hope to be successful this season by just simply outscoring their opponents.

They have to field a solid defense and hone the skills of those defensive players to a fine edge so that they give up as few points as possible.

Do not get me wrong. I am not coming down on head coach Kevin Sumlin and the preparation and hard work he has put into the past nine months to put a defensive scheme on the field that will be successful.

I realize the process is an ongoing affair. The defense will get better as the season goes on.

However, with what the Cougars want to accomplish this season, the defense cannot give up over 500 points every game and expect to have a successful season.

On a positive side, the Cougars had 34 unassisted and 46 assisted tackles. That comes out to 80 total tackles.

It is interesting to note that the Bruins had exactly the same total number.

Marcus McGraw led the Cougars with 16 tackles, five of those unassisted while Colton Valencia and Derrick Mathews had four solo tackles each.

A total of 20 Houston players got in tackles.

But where the sacks? Where were the interceptions?

The defense somewhat got the job done but they must get better.

Both Brehaut and Prince had time to stay in the pocket and look for receivers. If the receivers were not there, they both had ample time to look for other options.

The Cougars will now have six days to prepare to take on North Texas next Saturday in Denton.

The Mean Green dropped their season opener to Florida International 41-16 this past Thursday in Miami.

Bottles, Hilbun Named Southland Volleyball Players of the Week

Bottles led the Ladyjacks to its best start since 1992; Hilbun earns all-tournament honors

FRISCO, TEXAS (August 29, 2011) Stephen F. Austin senior MC Bottles and Texas State sophomore Ashlee Hilbun were named the Southland Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, to begin the 2011 season, the league announced Monday.

Offensive Player of the Week – MC Bottles, Stephen F. Austin

Bottles was key in leading the Ladyjacks to a perfect 4-0 mark over the weekend at the Georgia Southern Spring Hill Suites Invitational, guiding Stephen F. Austin to its first 4-0 start since 1992. The Rowlett, Texas, native hit better than .440 in the final three matches of the tournament and averaged 4.09 kills per set in those wins. The SFA middle blocker finished the weekend hitting a .336 clip and averaging 3.19 kills per set. Bottles hit .577 and notched 16 kills and three blocks in a four-set win over Jacksonville before backing that up with a 14-kill performance in a sweep of South Dakota State. In the final match of the tournament against Montana State, the senior hit .323 with 15 kills in the four-set victory.

Honorable Mention: Jessica Hays, Central Arkansas; Carli Kolbe, Sam Houston State; Logan Bourque, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Defensive Player of the Week – Ashlee Hilbun, Texas State

Hilbun made a huge impact for the Bobcats defensively at the net and in the back row while earning a spot on the all-tournament team at the Bama Bash in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The sophomore middle blocker totaled 23 blocks in three tournament matches for an average of 1.77 blocks per set and also contributed with 27 digs for an average of 2.08 digs per set. The Austin, Texas, native flirted with triple-doubles in each of the first two matches for Texas State, finishing with 13 digs, nine blocks and nine kills in the season-opener against Alabama State before posting nine kills, nine digs and eight blocks against Austin Peay.

Honorable Mention: Keelie Arneson, Northwestern State; Kim Black, Sam Houston State; Madison Hanlan, Stephen F. Austin

Each school’s sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player. To receive honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland sports information directors.

Heat Provisions Announced for Houston Football Season Opener

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 28, 2011) In an effort to help fans enjoy gameday to the fullest, the University of Houston Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has taken numerous steps to beat the heat at the Sept. 3 contest vs. UCLA.

"It is extremely important to this athletic department to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our fans," UH Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades. "We want anyone who visits Robertson Stadium to feel appreciated for spending their day with the Cougars."

What UH will Provide
• For the UCLA game only, fans will have the ability to bring in an unopened, clear plastic bottle of water, one per person.

• The UH Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will be handing out "Buy One, Get One Free" coupons for cold water upon ticketed entry to Robertson Stadium.

• UH Dining Services will have three times the amount of water product normally sold as well as dedicated water stations to service patrons.

• Water misting cooling zones will be stationed in the four corners of the Stadium underneath the concourses inside Gates 1, 7, 8, 14.

• UH Dining Services will sell cups of ice for $1 from beverage-only concession stations.

• UH Dining Services will provide complimentary water at the student entrance, while supplies last.

• A guest assist text service is available for fans who feel faint or ill in their seats. Personnel will assist in getting fans to the treatment areas. Text "UH" and message to 78247.

Tips to Beat the Heat
1. Stay Hydrated with water and sports drinks.
2. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine
3. Dress in light-weight, loose-fitting clothing
4. Eat small meals of carbohydrates, salads and fruit, and eat more often
5. Utilize cold or ice towels
6. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen
7. Notify emergency personnel at the first sign of heat-induced symptoms.


* UH will have on-site medical personnel to assist with any heat-related cases.

A Houston Texans Win over the San Francisco 49ers Means What?

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 27, 2011) The Houston Texans will travel to the west coast on Saturday to take on the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park in the third preseason game of the 2011 season for both teams.

Game time is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00pm PT).

Houston is coming off a 27-14 win over the New Orleans Saints this past Saturday evening at Reliant Stadium

The Texans and 2-0 in preseason while the 49ers are 1-1. .

This will be the last game before both teams must cut their roster to 75 players on Aug. 30.

Let's see what a win over the 49ers would mean for the Texans.

1. A Texans win would improve the team’s preseason record to 3-0, matching the most-ever wins by the Texans in the preseason (2006, 3-1).
   
2. A Texans win would possibly give the Texans two sacks to tie the franchise preseason record of 13.0, set in the club’s inaugural season of 2002. Houston is tied with Buffalo for the NFL lead this preseason with 11.0 sacks in two games.
3. A Texans win would give Houston its first win at Candlestick Park. The Texans have only visited Candlestick Park once, losing 20-17 in overtime against the 49ers on Jan. 1, 2006, closing out the 2005 season. Saturday will mark the first preseason meeting between the two teams.

The last time the Texans played the 49ers was Oct. 25, 2009 at Reliant Stadium.

It was game seven of the 2009 season and Houston came a way with a 24-21 win over San Francisco in front of 70,820 fans.

Let's see if the Texans can make it 3-0 in preseason games.

Was the Houston Texans' Defense the Key in Their 27-14 over the New Orleans Saints?

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 20, 2011) Was the defense in the key in the Houston Texans' 27-14 drumming of the New Orleans Saints, taking their 2011 preseason record to 2-0 or did the offense just put more points on the scoreboard than the Saints?

Much has been written about Wade Phillips and 3-4 defense he has installed as defensive coordinator of the Texans.

In the post game interview, head coach Gary Kubiak was quoted on the Texans' defense:

I know they gave up a lot of yards but they made some big plays. The first drive of the game they (New Orleans Saints) go right down the field on them. You can get the ball moved on you defensively but if you step up and make a big play that's what it's all about and that's what they did. Antonio (Smith) made that big play early in the game that kind of flipped their emotions of the the game and got everybody going but I know we gave up too many yards and we got a lot of things to fix so we've got a long way to go.

That about says it all.

The defense was not a clean and concise as everyone would like to see, but remember this is just preseason.

When New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was sacked by Smith, ending the Saints drive, that was one of the big plays Kubiak was talking about.

That sack was the Texans' eighth of the season, which matched the team's total from the 2010 preseason.

Mario Williams, who was playing in his new outside linebacker position, recovered the fumble.

These are the things that can turn around a team and take them onward throughout the season.

Xavier Adibi had the unassisted and three assisted tackles from the inside linebacker position, while cornerback Brice McCain had four unassisted tackles.

In fact, 21 defensive players contributed to the Texans' 43 tackles with nine players assisting on tackles.

The Texans' also had four sack, with outside linebacker Brooks Reed accounting for two of them.

It was obvious from the press box, at least to me, that the defense line needed to buckle down and do a better job of shutting down the run.

The Saints rushed for 113 yards and although that was less that the Texans (208 yards), they were not getting the job done on the run.

The same could be said about the secondary, as the Saints threw for 218 yards which was pretty even to the Texans (228 yards).

However I think defensive, the Texans need to build their confidence and continue to embrace the defense scheme that Phillips whats to develop.

I also believe the Texans concentrated too much on defending against the pass, knowing Brees was going to go to the air.

As a result, the Saints were able to gain yardage on some big runs.

As I see it, the Texans' need to play better against the run and let the passes happen. If they can become a team that shuts down the run, then their opponents will be forced to go to the air.

I saw good things out of outside linebacker Brooks Reed against the Saints. He had two solo and one assisted tackle and seemed to be learning the defense better.

Coming out of college, he was used to playing a 4-3 defense and now he has to make a complete switch to the 3-4.

I think he will continue to mature and will make a good addition to the Texans.

Defense end J.J. Watt also stepped up and played better this week than he did against the New York Jets.

He had a single tackle, but did seem to get into the game a bit better.

In addition, he needs to stay at the line a bit more and work against the block. He is improving, and with three more weeks until the regular seasons starts, he will get better and better.

I think this win over the Saints was a needed victory, but the true test will come when the regular season starts.

When the Texans take to the field on Sept. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts, things will be different.

Their two (and possibly two more) preseason wins will just be a memory.

Overall, the Texans' defense is coming along, but they still have a long way to go.

FC Barcelona Downs Club America 2-0 in WFC

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (August 6, 2011) In a soccer match, it is necessary to control the ball to win, and that is exactly what FC Barcelona did in the final match of the 2011 World Football Challenge.

FCB stunned Club America, winning the match 2-0 on goals by David Villa and Seydou Keita in front of 60,807 fans at Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Barcelona controlled the ball more than 70% of the game, and it appeared that “Águilas” never got into the match.

Villa put Barcelona on the scoreboard in the 24th minute on a nice shot from the front of the goal. He received the ball from Adriano Correia to get his first goal of the tournament.

Barcelona picked up their second goal of the match in the 90th minute when Keita receive a short pass from Gerard Deulofeo inside the box and slid it in for the score.

The match was virtually all Barcelona with the Spaniards having the advantage on shots (15-9), shots on goal (7-4), and corner kicks (8-4).

Barcelona finished the tournament with a 1-2-0 record (3 points) while Club America ends up without a win or tie.

Coca-Cola Joins Sugar Land Skeeters Lineup

Beverage To Have Pouring Rights At StarTex Power Field

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (July 11, 2011) The Sugar Land Skeeters is delighted to announce that ‘Coca-Cola’ has become its official pouring rights partner. Among the 10-year agreement elements, Coca-Cola products will be the official beverage of the Skeeters and will be served at all events held at StarTex Power Field.

“We’re thrilled to have Coca-Cola come on board as a founding partner,” said Matt O’Brien, President of the Skeeters. “Cheering fans need something cold to drink and with Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid group based right here in Sugar Land, this worldwide iconic brand feels more local.”

Rick Kehr, Coca-Cola Refreshments of Houston Market Unit Vice President (Sales Operations), said, “Coca-Cola is a global company with Houston roots. We are committed to making a positive difference and are especially grateful for the opportunity to support the Skeeters during their inaugural seasons. Coca-Cola’s Live Positively platform aims to promote healthy, active lifestyles in the Houston community-- and the Skeeters provide a platform to do just that.”

This new 10-year agreement puts all Coca-Cola family of products, including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dasani Water as well as Minute Maid drinks, in the Sugar Land baseball stadium concession stands, luxury suites, picnic pavilion and clubhouse. Coca-Cola teams with Legends Hospitality, LLC, who last month inked a deal with the Skeeters to handle concessions management, to provide food and beverage for Skeeters fans.

Coca-Cola joins a prestigious and growing list of “Founding Partners” that includes StarTex Power, Memorial Hermann, Republic Services, and Texas Direct Auto.

SJC's Richards heading to NJCAA Hall of Fame

By John Bechtle
San Jacinto College
(Via Press Release)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 11, 2011) Former San Jacinto College (SJC) star Dane Richards has been selected as a member of the class of 2011 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Soccer Hall of Fame.

The Jamaican born Richards netted 45 goals, a school record, over the course of the 2003 and 2004 seasons at San Jacinto College. In 2004, he was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Junior College Player of the Year, scoring 25 goals while leading his team to third place at the national tournament.

“I am honored and excited to be joining the Hall of Fame,” said Richards, now a midfielder with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS). “When I came to San Jacinto College from Jamaica the summer before the 2003 season, I worked very hard to balance my school work and my playing career, and San Jac was a great place to begin my journey.

“Throughout my life, I have always tried to seize every opportunity in front of me and make the best of it, and San Jacinto College allowed me to get started in this game toward my goal of being a professional. I played for two great coaches, Ben Hunter and David Santesteban.

“To soon be a member of the NJCAA Hall of Fame is a proud moment for myself and my family. I give many thanks to those who gave me an opportunity to achieve.”

Richards was recruited to San Jacinto College by Hunter, who retired after the 2003 season. In 2004, Santesteban took over the program and discovered Richards, a true star player who scored 20 goals as a freshman. Together, Richards and Santesteban got the San Jacinto program back to the national tournament.

“When I think of Dane, I think of catching lightning in a bottle,” Santesteban said. “Every year in recruiting, you search for the next Dane Richards, and those players just don’t come around very often. Players like Dane are very hard to come by. He is truly a special player.”

After his two years at San Jacinto College, Richards moved on to Clemson University, where he led the Tigers to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I National Tournament Final Four in 2005. That season, he scored 11 goals and dealt eight assists.

Drafted by the Red Bulls in 2007, Richards has registered 17 goals and 23 assists through four plus seasons in the Big Apple. Richards has also, for several years, been a member of the Jamaican National Team. During the 2011 Confederation of North and Central American and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup, Richards had a pair of assists in four games for his home country.

Santesteban, who nominated Richards for the 2011 Hall of Fame class, is thrilled to see the former San Jacinto College star making a name for himself both in MLS and internationally.

“To get where Dane is, you have to be disciplined and avoid the distractions that can come with being a professional,” Santesteban said. “He has shown a great ability to do that. To know that the San Jacinto College men’s soccer program played a role in Dane’s development is a special moment. All of us are proud of who he is as a person and the type of soccer player he has become.”

Richards is one of eight players and a coach to be inducted into the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame class of 2011. The nine inductees will be honored at a banquet in November.

Houston Dynamo Defeat Toronto FC 2-0; Danny Cruz and Geoff Cameron Shine

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 9, 2011 )Entering their game against the Toronto FC, the Houston Dynamo had not won a game since June 11 and only two since April 29.

On goals by Danny Cruz and Geoff Cameron, they downed a stubborn Toronto team 2-0 in front of 19,085 fans at Robertson Stadium in Houston.

Both goals occurred in the second half to raise the Dynamo’s record to 4-6-8 (23 points) while Toronto fell to 3-9-9 (18 points).

In the 50th minute, midfielder Danny Cruz got the ball from forward Brian Ching.

Cruz then dribbled the ball into the box and fired a shot past goalkeeper Stefan Frei for the first score of the game.

The goal was the first of the season for Cruz.

The Dynamo increased their margin to two in the 81st minute on an unassisted goal by Geoff Cameron.

He got a loose ball in the ball and shot it past Frei for the goal.

The Dynamo had other chances for goals, only to be shut out by wide shots, deflections and blocked shots.

In the 5th minute, Cruz blasted a shot from outside the 18-yard box, only to have it deflected.

The Dynamo continued the attack in the 8th minute when Cruz found midfielder Brad Davis at the edge of the box.

Davis fired a shot after two dribbles, but it sailed high and wide of the goal.

The Dynamo had six total shots of goal, with Bruin taking two and Cameron, Cruz, Watson and midfielder Colin Clark each with one.

Four yellow cards were issued in the game with three going to Toronto and one for the Dynamo to Cruz.

Toronto defender Richard Eckersley received one in the 32nd minute for a reckless tackle while forward Alan Gordon was carded for a reckless foul.

Midfielder Mikael Yourassowsky was also carded for a reckless tackle in the 68th minute.

Cruz’s yellow card was a reckless tackle in the 85th minute.

The Dynamo can now breathe a short sigh of relief by putting the game in the win column.

However, it must be a short sigh as they must begin Tuesday preparing for their July 16 game against Sporting Kansas City.

Sporting KC is currently one place ahead of the Dynamo in the Eastern Conference.

The game is set for at 7:30pm CDT in Houston.

Houston Dynamo To Face Bolton Wanderers in 2011 Charities Cup

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 26, 2011) Tickets for the 2011 Dynamo Charities Cup, which pits the Houston Dynamo against English Premier League club Bolton Wanderers are on sale at HoustonDynamo.com and Ticketmaster.com. The third annual charity match, dubbed as the “TransAtlantic Challenge” this time around, marks the Dynamo’s first-ever game against European opposition. The contest will be taking place on Wednesday, July 20, at Robertson Stadium.

Bolton Wanderers were founded in 1874 and were founding members of the Football League in 1888. Last season, the club reached the semifinals of the prestigious FA Cup in England, a tournament they have won four times in their history. The 2010-11 season marked the 10th consecutive year Bolton have competed in the English Premier League. The Dynamo and Wanderers are connected by Houston resident Stuart Holden, who played for the Dynamo from 2006-09 before joining Bolton early in 2010.

“We’re really excited to host an English Premier League club for the first time and continue to grow the tradition of the Dynamo Charities Cup,” Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. “Our fans share in this excitement, and we expect these tickets to be in high demand.”

The Dynamo Charities Cup is an annual friendly match pitting the Dynamo against an international opponent, with a portion of the match’s proceeds donated to charity. In 2009, Houston beat Mexican club Monterrey 2-1, with proceeds benefitting Dynamo Charities. Last year, the Dynamo beat Aguila from El Salvador 4-0, with proceeds benefitting victims of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Houston Ties DC United 2-2 in MLS Action

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 25, 2011) The Houston Dynamo twice rallied from a one-goal deficit and used a dramatic 89th-minute goal from captain Brian Ching to pull out a 2-2 road tie against D.C. United on Saturday and take the season series from their Eastern Conference rival. Ching, making just his second start of the season, headed in a cross from Colin Clark as Houston earned its fifth tie in eight road games. Ching had also set up Houston’s first goal by drawing a penalty kick.

The Dynamo are now unbeaten in their last five games (4-0-1) against D.C. United and lead the all-time series 9-3-2. Houston won the season series with a 1-0-1 record thanks to a 4-1 win over D.C. on April 29.

D.C. United took the lead in the 31st minute, when Josh Wolff teed up Chris Pontius for a shot from outside the penalty area, and Pontius drove a right-footed shot inside the left post for his fifth goal of the season.

The Dynamo tied the game shortly before halftime when Je-Vaughn Watson set up Brian Ching in the penalty area, and Ching was tripped up by D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid. Brad Davis stepped up to the resulting penalty kick and drove it into the lower right corner for his second goal of the season, both from the spot.

The teams traded chances late in the first half, with Houston rookie Kofi Sarkodie clearing a shot off the goal line, before the Dynamo took over early in the second half. D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid had to make four saves in the first 25 minutes of the second half, including tipping a Danny Cruz shot against the crossbar. Cruz also came close to giving Houston the lead when he hit the outside of the post from a Colin Clark cross in the 64th minute.

Against the run of play, D.C. United took the lead in the 73rd minute. Midfielder Andy Najar dribbled the end line into the six-yard box, and when the Dynamo knocked the ball away from him, it deflected right to D.C. forward Charlie Davies, who snapped the ball into the empty net for his eighth goal of the season, tied for the league lead.

Having used substitutions on injury (Brad Davis) and illness (Corey Ashe), the Dynamo went to three forwards over the final 12 minutes with the introduction of Cam Weaver, and the team’s pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute. Brian Ching held the ball up in his own half of the field and fed it to Geoff Cameron streaking through the midfield. Cameron raced into the attacking half and passed to Colin Clark on the left, and Clark chipped a cross to the penalty spot, where Ching arrived to head it into the net with the help of a deflection to tie the game.

The tying goal was the third time this season the Dynamo have tied the game in the final 15 minutes (April 23 at Chicago, May 28 vs. FC Dallas) and, combined with the goal late in the first half, gives Houston a league-high 13 goals in the final 15 minutes of either the first or second half.

Forward Brian Ching made just his second start of the season due to injury and his first since the Dynamo’s April 2 match against the New York Red Bulls. His 90 minutes were a season high, and he factored in both Houston goals.

The Dynamo made five changes from last week’s lineup, including the third MLS appearances of the season for defenders Kofi Sarkodie and Jermaine Taylor and the fourth start of the year for midfielder Je-Vaughn Watson. Taylor and Watson played their first games after returning from national team duty with Jamaica.

For their Dynamo careers in all competitions, several players made milestone appearances, including: midfielder Brad Davis (180th appearance), defender Corey Ashe (150th appearance), midfielder Geoff Cameron (110th appearance), defender Andre Hainault (75th appearance), and forward Cam Weaver (50th appearance).

The Dynamo played without forward Calen Carr (concussion); midfielder Lovel Palmer (red card); and defender Eddie Robinson (MCL sprain).

USA Downs Panama 1-0 in Gold Cup 2011 Semi-Final Action; Advance to Final at the Rose Bowl on Saturday

Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan embrace after the goal that gave the USA a 1-0 victory over Panama. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.


By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2011) After an uninspiring 75 minutes of play at Reliant Stadium, the USA scored in the 76 minute to give the USA a 1-0 win over Panama in the first semi-final game of CONCACAF Gold Cup 2011.

The USA’s Clint Dempsey was advancing on the goal when Landon Donovan fed him a pass from the right side.

He shot from inside the box; drilling the ball past Panama goalkeeper Jamie Penedo for the score

Most of the game was relatively uninspiring, with the USA five shots on goal and Panama attempting eight.

Fouls were abundant during the game with the whistle sounding 21 times against the United States.

Panama was cited 10 times for fouls.

The best action up to the start of the second half was a half naked fan running across the playing field of Reliant Stadium, waving his shirt to the soccer aficionados before security removed him.

He was handed over to Houston police and headed for a suspected night in jail.

It was a good thing the half of him that was naked was his upper torso; as it may have made a rough night in the lockup if he had been naked below the waist.

The offense of both teams looks sluggish and it appears the USA is trying to come back from their earlier loss to Panama 2-1 in Group C action.

Both teams seemed uninspired with lackluster play and locus seeming to be lacking.

It was obvious, at least to any person who is remotely knowledgeable about soccer that one or possibly both teams were wishing the game would be over.

A small scuffle occurred in extra time, when USA's Jermaine Jones took a foot to the face; delivered by Panama's Luis Renteria.

Several USA players jumped to Jones' defense and care, which prompted a small shoving match between various USA players and Renteria.

The officials quickly intervened and no cards were issued.

The USA now advances to the finals to play the winner of the Mexico-Honduras.

The "Half Naked" fan is apprehended by Reliant Stadium security before being handed over to Houston Police. Photo by Darla Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved.


If the Red, White, and Blue hope to win the championship of Gold Cup 2011, they had better play with more intensity and focus that they did against Panama.

If not, they will earn their second loss in Gold Cup 2011 play in two weeks.

That would not bode well for the players and coaches alike.

Former Houston Cougars Wallace, Kelso And Goodnight To Play In Minor League All-Star Games

Wallace Will Participate In Home Run Derby Prior To Game

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2011) Former University of Houston catcher Chris Wallace and shortstop Blake Kelso will play in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m. April 21 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md.

In addition to playing in the All-Star game, Wallace is one of 10 players that will compete in the 2011 BB&T Home Run Derby.

Wallace, who plays for the Lexington Legends, will play for the South Division, while Kelso, of the Hagerstown Suns, willrepresent the North Division. Players are chosen through voting by managers, coaches, front office executives, media and fans.

Wallace ranks second in the league standings with 14 home runs and fourth with 49 RBIs. He opened the season with a 12-game hitting streak and went on to be named the SAL Player of the Week. He also hit three home runs with nine RBIs against Asheville on April 17.

This is the second All-Star game for Wallace since he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 16th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Last season, he played in the Appalachian League All-Star game with the Greenville Astros.

Wallace spent four seasons behind the plate for Houston posting a career .291 batting average. He was selected to the All-Conference USA Second Team in 2009 and led the Cougars with 10 home runs as a senior.

Kelso will start at third base in the All-Star game and ranks fifth in the league with a .404 batting average. He also has 12 doubles, one triple and two home runs.

After being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 10th round of the 2010 MLB Draft, Kelso began his professional career with the Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York-Penn League where he was named a mid-season All-Star.

Kelso was a staple in the Cougar infield,making 181 consecutive starts at shortstop. He finished his three-year career at UH with a .319 batting average, 41 doubles, 11 triples and eight home runs. He is also the school record holder with 588 assists.

MIDWEST LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME

In addition to Wallace and Kelso playing in the SAL All-Star Game, former pitcher Michael Goodnight will play for the Eastern Division in the Midwest League All-Star game Tuesday. The game willstart at 6 p.m. at the Quad Cities’ Modern Woodmen Park.

Goodnight leads the Lake County Captains with a 5-5 record and a 3.04 ERA. He has pitched a team high 71 innings, allowing 24 earned runs on 49 hits with 65 strikeouts. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 13th round of the 2010 MLB Draft.

A two-year letterwinner for the Cougars, Goodnight made 16 starts as a sophomore posting a 4.96 ERA with 148 strikeouts. He was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team in 2009.

Schwarz Named Southland Softball Student-Athlete of the Year

Islanders’ junior outfielder chosen to first-team on league’s all-academic team

FRISCO, TEXAS (June 21, 2011) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi junior Hannah Schwarz has been named the Southland Conference Softball Student-Athlete of the Year, the league office announced Tuesday in conjunction with the release of the All-Academic Softball Teams.

Schwarz, a native of Kerrville, Texas, carries a 4.00 grade-point average in interdisciplinary studies and is the first softball student-athlete of the year from A&M-Corpus Christi in school history. Schwarz capped off her junior year by being named first-team Academic All-Region VI and was named third-team Academic All-America by CoSIDA. For the second consecutive year she was a first-team All-Southland and all-region pick after batting .345 while starting 58 of her 59 games. She scored a league-high 40 runs while collecting the second-most hits in the conference with 67. She tallied 14 RBI on the season, drew 12 walks and stole nine bases while collecting seven sacrifice hits.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Schwarz was named the Steve McCarty Citizenship Award winner by the Southland Conference and earned A&M–Corpus Christi’s Lee Denmon Award that is given to the athlete for service to the community.

Nine student-athletes make a return appearance to the all-academic teams, including McNeese State senior Lindsey Langner, Southeastern Louisiana graduate Katie Duhe and Texas State senior Jenna Emery, who are making their third consecutive showing.

Nine members received automatic selections by virtue of being either a first-team all-conference selection or voted to the CoSIDA academic all-district team.

Seven student-athletes were selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District VI Team. Duhe, Central Arkansas junior Katie McGregor and Schwarz received first-team merits while Central Arkansas sophomore Melanie Bryant, Northwestern State junior Kelee Grimes and A&M-Corpus Christi seniors Lauren Dodson and Caley Jeter were selected to the second-team. UT Arlington senior Rebecca Collom was named first-team all-conference, rounding out the nine automatic selections.

Texas State led all league teams with one first and three second-team all-academic selections for four members overall. Central Arkansas, McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana and A&M-Corpus Christi had three while Northwestern State, Sam Houston State and UT Arlington had two. Nicholls and Stephen F. Austin had one each.

Established in the 2002-03 academic year, the conference honors one student-athlete from each of the 17 championship sports who achieves excellence in academics, athletics and community/campus service.

The student-athlete of the year, selected by the league’s awards committee, will have attained athletics achievement for at least two years at the nominating institution, possess at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and demonstrated extracurricular service at her campus and or community.

The all-academic teams are voted on by the head coaches, sports information directors and academic/compliance administrators from each Southland university. Student-athletes must possess a 3.0 cumulative GPA, have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution and participated in at least 50 percent of the team’s competition to qualify for the all-academic squad.

RELIANT STADIUM SOLD OUT FOR CONCACAF GOLD CUP SEMIFINALS ON JUNE 22

FANS URGED TO ARRIVE EARLY AND ENJOY FAN FESTIVALS

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 21, 2011) The semifinal doubleheader for the 2011 Gold Cup at Reliant Stadium is a complete sellout, organizers announced today. It marks the seventh sellout of the tournament, with previous full houses at Cowboys Stadium, Soldier Field, Red Bull Arena and LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, New Meadowlands Stadium and RFK Stadium.

Tickets will not be available at the stadium box office on game day. Those without tickets should not approach the stadium area on game day to avoid unnecessary delays, as tickets will not be on sale.

The matches will be televised live in English on FOX Soccer and in Spanish on the Univision family of networks. They will also be broadcast locally on radio in English on Sports 790 AM and in Spanish by Fútbol de Primera on La Ranchera 850 AM.

Fans attending the doubleheader between the United States and Panama, and Mexico vs. Honduras, are urged to arrive at the stadium early to avoid traffic and long lines, and enjoy Futbol Fiesta, a 120,000 sq. ft. interactive fan area featuring live entertainment, sponsor booths and giveaways. Futbol Fiesta will open at 3:00 p.m. CDT in the Blue Lot on the south end of the stadium.

Fans are encouraged to use public transportation such as the METRORail line, which stops along Fannin St. near the Reliant Astrodome. Stadium parking lots will open at 2:00 p.m. CDT. All parking is cash-only, and all non-premium lots are $20 per vehicle.

Tickets for the grand final of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 25 in Pasadena are still available by visiting www.goldcup.org. The Rose Bowl ticket office will be open daily Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. local. The 2011 Gold Cup champion and CONCACAF representative to the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil will be crowned on Saturday, June 25 at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

Ariana Kukors Wins Gold as Santa Clara International Grand Prix Concludes

Missy Franklin is the 2010-2011 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series Champion

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (June 20, 2011) Ariana Kukors (Auburn, Wash.) turned in the world’s fastest time of the year in the 200m IM on the final day of competition at the 2011 Santa Clara International Grand Prix. Michael Phelps (Baltimore, Md.) picked up his fourth medal of the meet Sunday night while Missy Franklin (Centennial, Colo.) was named the champion of the 2010-2011 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series.

In addition to Franklin’s win as the Grand Prix Series Champion, she also took home the meet’s high-point award for female swimmers in Santa Clara. Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach, Fla.) was named the high-point award winner on the men’s side. Franklin will be presented with the Grand Prix Series trophy at USA Swimming ConocoPhillips National Championship which will take place August 2-6 in Palo Alto, Calif. As a high school student with collegiate eligibility, Franklin is unable to receive the Grand Prix Series prize money.

In the 200m IM, Kukors broke her own meet record set in 2009 by swimming a 2:09.53. Her time was also the fastest time in the 200m IM this year. Stephanie Rice from Australia took the silver medal by swimming a 2:11.39 and Caitlin Leverenz (Tucson, Ariz.) won the bronze with a 2:13.24.

Kathleen Hersey (Atlanta, Ga.) set a meet record in the first event of the night, the women’s 200m fly. Her time of 2:06.89 was nearly a second faster than the old record set by Mary Descenza in 2008. Stephanie Rice from Australia had the second fastest time at 2:07.54 and 2008 Olympian Elaine Breeden (Lexington, Ky.) placed third with a 2:08.14.

Phelps and Nicholas D’Arcy from Australia were neck-and-neck in the men’s 200m butterfly but in the end, D’Arcy touched the wall first by one-one hundredth of a second in 1:55.39. Phelps finished in 1:55.40 and Robert Bollier (Mission Hills, Kan.) came in third at 1:57.92.

In the women’s 100m breaststroke, Jessica Hardy (Long Beach, Calif.) took home the gold medal with a 1:07.45. Ashley Wanland (Long Grove, Ill.) beat out Amanda Beard (Irvine, Calif.) for second place with a time of 1:09.25. Beard finished in 1:09.46. During morning prelims Sunday, Rebecca Soni (Plainsboro, N.J.) swam the fastest time of the day, setting a meet record with a time of 1:05.83. Soni opted to not swim in Sunday’s finals.

In the women’s 100m back, Australia’s Emily Seebohm swam the fifth fastest time in the world this year with a 59.77. Franklin finished second to Seebohm in 59.98 while fellow Australian Meagen Nay swam a 1:00.96 for third.

Daniel Bell from New Zealand had a strong showing in the men’s 100m backstroke. His time of 54.70 beat Lochte’s 55.22 and Eugene Godsoe’s (Greensboro, N.C) 55.63. Lochte and Godsoe finished second and third, respectively.

Thiago Pereira from Brazil broke the third meet record of the night with a time of 1:57.63. The victory was Pereira’s second of the four-day meet. Lochte came into the wall next at 1:58.99 and Conor Dwyer (Winnetka, Ill.) finished third at 2:01.88.

In the women’s 800m free, Wendy Trott of South Africa finished first with a time of 8:32.27. Camryne Morris (Baltimore, Md.) was second in 8:35.14. Alexa Komarnycky of Canada finished third in 8:35.27. The men’s 1500m free was won by Michael McBroom in 15:23.43. Jackson Wilcox (Hixson, Tenn.) finished second in 15:32.11 and Mark Randall was third in 15:33.07.

The Santa Clara International Grand Prix was the seventh and final stop of the 2010-2011 USA Swimming Grand Prix Series.

Dynamo Fall to Columbus 2-0, The Skid Continues

(Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco Photography, Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved)

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 18, 2011)Coming off a successful trip to the west coast by defeating Chivas USA 2-1 on June 12, the Houston Dynamo were looking to begin a winning streak as they faced the Columbus Crew in a Saturday evening MLS game before 13,039 fans at Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

The Crew’s Bernado Anor saw to it that the Dynamo got their sixth loss of the season, falling to a 4-6-6 record.

Anor, in his first professional start, scored a goal and added an assist to give the Crew a 2-0 win and raise their record to of 5-4-6.

With the win, the Crew takes sole possession of third place in the Eastern Division while the Dynamo falls to fourth place.

The Crew got on the scoreboard in the 41st minute when forward Andres Mendoza got a pass from Anor at the top of the penalty area and kicked it in for the score and his fifth goal of the season.

The assist was Anor’s first of the season.

The Crew came back with their second score of the night, in the 77th minute, when

Anor got the ball from forward Justin Meram at the right side of the end line, firing the ball at the goal, which was deflected by Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall.

Anor got the rebound and fired it back for the score and his first professional goal.

The Dynamo had a few bright moments but failed to connect with the goal on 12 tries.

Midfielder Brad Davis made his 200th start of his MLS career while forward Brian Ching played in his 150th career game for the Dynamo.

The Dynamo had to play most of the second half with 10 players when midfielder Lovel
Palmer received his second yellow card of the game and was ejected in 52nd minute.

The Dynamo will next face D.C United (4-5-5, 17 pts) on the road on June 26. They are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Division after their 1-1 tie with Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.

College Football 2011: A Year Away-12 Teams Using 2011 To Springboard To 2012

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2011 TexSport Publications

PASADENA, TEXAS (June 5, 2011) With the college football season three months away, some teams will be trying to recover from a unsuccessful 2010 season and are hoping that 2011 will being them more glory on the gridiron.

However, a few others will need a bit longer to get back into the mix and rise to the levels that they once achieved.

The following are 12 teams that will use the 2011 season to get ready for the 2012 season.
So without further ado, here is my list of "12 teams using 2011 to springboard into 2012."